In an op-ed for the New York Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined his opposition to a United States strike against Syria that, in the end, rang hypocritical.

In the midst of advocating for peaceful dialogue, President Putin seemingly shrugs off – or is entirely blind to – the inequality and violence the relegated Russian LGBT community currently endures.

President Putin discusses his distaste for “American exceptionalism,” yet applies the same exceptionalism with regard to the Russian LGBT community.

“There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy," Putin wrote. "Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal."